This compact, well-illustrated and clearly written book offers an essential guide to the complex and contradictory nature of this master of theatre.

Routledge Performance Practitioners are a series of introductory guides to key theatre-makers. These compact, well-illustrated and clearly written books will unravel the contribution of modern theatre's most charismatic innovators.

This is the first book to combine:

- an overview of Stanislavsky's life history

- an assessment of his widely read text, An Actor Prepares

- detailed commentary of the key 1998 production of The Seagull

- an indispensable set of practical exercises for actors, teachers and directors.

As a first step towards critical understanding, and as an initial exploration before going on to further, primary research, Routledge Performance Practitioners are unbeatable value for today's student.